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Fit for December: Must Haves

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:30:00 -0800

They say the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but I must add that it generally isn't the healthiest. Here are a few things I think will help you stay happy, fit, and healthy in December.

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Fit for December: Must Haves

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:15:00 -0800

If you want to see why these are my December must haves just read more

REI Power Stretch Tights ($70): Come winter and snow time, you want a pair of toasty pants you can wear for a variety of activities, and these Stretch Tights by REI will take you on a run through wintry streets and to the slopes as a great base layer. Made with Polartec fabric that stretches four directions to ensure ease of motion, they have a moisture-wicking velour fleece to keep you dry on the inside and a smooth nylon outer face that sheds light rain and wind. I love that they come with an unobtrusive zippered side pocket.
Hands2Go Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer ($3.50): Keep your hands germ free with this alcohol-free hand sanitizer. Not only does it kill 99 percent of bacteria, but it also moisturizes with a blend of aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender extracts.
Tinted lip balm with sunscreen: Just because it is cold outside doesn't mean the sun cannot do damage. I love this trio of lip moisturizers with mineral tint for color and SPF 15 by Juice Beauty ($15). There is a color for every occasion. I would definitely slip one if these into the zippered pocket of my REI running tights!
Peppermint: This herb is more than candy-cane flavoring; peppermint is considered by many to be the world's oldest medicine. Peppermint has been shown to help decrease symptoms of irritable bowl syndrome. It can also help relieve cold symptoms by working as a decongestant and expectorant. Warm yourself with a cup of peppermint tea.
Single-Leg Squats: Skiing season officially starts in December (here's hoping for a good snow year in the Sierras) and you need to start conditioning for the slopes now, if not yesterday! Single-leg squats are the exercise to get your thighs mountain ready. Start with six reps on each leg, for two sets.

Get Fit For 2010: One Reader's Progress Report

Fit Community — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:00:56 -0800

We've made it to week six of the Get Fit for 2010 giveaway, and this week's challenge is to write a blog post giving us details on your progress so far. FitSugar user nic222 posted this inspirational update:

First, let me start by saying that this is the longest I've kept at something in a long, long time - like in 10 years. I've made it to week six and despite one small blip, I'm still on track! (I missed one appointment with my trainer because of my gym being closed. We got 27 inches of snow here and seem to get more every day!)

Current Weight: 211 pounds

Current Waistline: 34.5 inches

Since starting in December, I've lost 11 pounds and 4.5 inches off of my waist. My pants are becoming loose and my muscles are tighter! I've upped my training appointments to twice a week and still go to gym 2-3 times a week outside of my training appointments.

I'm eating healthy but decided to splurge on a cupcake last week. I had a major stomachache afterwards and realized that my eating has been so good, my body wanted to reject the extra sugar (or that's at least what I like to believe). What a change! I'm keeping track of my calories - less than 1600 every day - and ensuring I get balanced meals with plenty of fruit and veggies. I no longer feel that it's a chore, just something I need to do to stay healthy and fit.

My overall mood has also increased and little things that used to get me down are mere road bumps. I look forward to going to the gym and believe that I am making a change for the better that will last the rest of my life!

Thanks for having this challenge - the support and reading other posts has helped immensely!

I'm sure many of you have been working hard on your health and fitness goals as well. We'd love to know how you're doing, so join our Get Fit For 2010 community group and write a blog post about your progress. By participating, you'll not only be on your way to a healthier you, but you'll also be entered into the drawing for our weekly giveaway of a $100 Nike gift card as well as an awesome grand prize.

Fit For December: Must Haves

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:30:03 -0800

It's officially gift-giving season here at FitSugar HQ. Even though we've already given you a bunch of gift guides to mull over, there is still some great stuff to be had. Here are my picks to keep you warm, healthy, and stress-free during this hectic, holiday-filled month.

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FitSugar Readers' Top 7 Goals For 2010

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:00:17 -0800

In late December we asked you to share your New Year's resolutions, and on Monday we kicked off our Get Fit For 2010 challenge asking you to write a blog post in our Get Fit For 2010 community group stating your health and fitness goals for the new year. By writing or video blogging a post, you will be entered to win our weekly prize - a $100 gift card from Nike! I've read most of your goals, and you all have set some impressive, yet attainable goals! Start this slideshow to learn the top seven.

Come on and join the fun! You have until 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday, Jan. 17 to write your blog post to enter.

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Save Your Dollars and Join a Gym Today

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:50:06 -0800

The last week of December is when most national health clubs offer their best deals - with so many of you saying that your New Year's resolution is to get back to the gym, take my advice and join a gym before 2009 ends. Health clubs are offering their sweetest deals now because they want to lure the large number of individuals, like yourselves, who have resolved to get fit in 2010.

After checking out what your favorite gyms of 2009 are doing to entice new members, the tactic seems pretty consistent across the board. Life Time Fitness (your fave), Equinox (my fave), Gold's, and 24 Hour Fitness are waiving enrollment fees if you sign up before January. Some gyms are adding on even more incentives. Life Time Fitness is offering an additional $150 credit that can be used towards in-club services like personal training sessions, and 24 Hour Fitness has an option for a month-to-month contract. A monthly membership option is great if you're afraid of committing yourself to a lengthy contract that could cost you later.

If the gym you have your eye on isn't offering a great deal for the New Year, don't be afraid to negotiate. Gyms were hit hard during the recession and are doing what it takes to make up for that now, meaning they want your membership. Go ahead and ask for a better deal, or show them what competitors are offering. The worse they can do is turn you down.

Finally, don't sign-up with a gym simply because it has the best deal. Becoming a member of a health club is a big commitment that involves other factors beyond cost like location and class offerings. Make sure you check out our tips on choosing a gym before enrolling anywhere. Here's to getting fit in the New Year!

Train Now and Relax Over the Holidays

OnSugar Blog — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:00:44 -0800

Here's a holiday season workout plan from the OnSugar blog Coach Lark Says.

The last week of December and the first of January are often filled with holiday preparations, travel, and a lot of festive eating and drinking. Let's face it: getting in shape isn't usually our focus during the holiday season.

The good news? It's not as hard as it seems to be mindful about our eating habits, our health and our fitness this time of year.

The holiday weeks can be treated as an intentional period of reduced training volume. And we all know that a reduction in training volume is best preceded by a period of increased training volume. So, this is your time to shine and hit the gym with everything you have!

To see Coach Lark's holiday workout, read more.

Here's how you do it in three workouts per week:

Assign one workout a week to doing heavier weights with lower repetitions than you normally do (you should aim to reach exhaustion by 10 reps).
Assign another workout to lighter weights with higher repetitions (18-25) for a long, sustained burn.
And assign a third workout to a middle range (12-18) but do more sets than usual.

When you are overloading (training more than you are accustomed to), it's crucial to allow active recovery days between workouts and to make sure that you get two consecutive rest days of light training (or even total rest) each week. This allows your body to fully recover.

Working extra hard for these next two weeks will allow you to relax more thoroughly over the holidays and take it easy, without losing fitness or feeling guilty.

And while you're relaxing, remember that your body will be happiest with you if you stay active, so although you won't be doing anything strenuous, still make sure to take light walks, do some yoga, stretch out a bit, or move your body in whatever way is most enjoyable to you.

Happy Holidays,

Coach Lark

Want to see more? Start following Coach Lark Says or start your own OnSugar Blog. Maybe your stories will be posted here on FitSugar!

FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 05:50:00 -0800

December began on Tuesday, and along with giving you some ideas for fit holiday gifts under $50 and suggestions of what to give the yogi in your life, we have begun asking about your favorite things of 2009. Not only do we want to know which female celeb you think has the fittest bod, we also want to know what your favorite form of cardio is and what brand of fitness gear you like to wear while getting your heart rate up. Check out our other favorite stories of the week when you start the slideshow.
Source: Getty

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A Week in Review: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 04:00:00 -0800

In case you missed it, here is what we've been talking about.

As 2007 comes to an end, be sure to check out all the Best things of 2007.

It's still the holidays, so here are five ways to burn 100 calories.

Walking after a high fat meal does wonders for your health.

Ways to combat that dreaded winter itch.

I'm curious, what fitness gifts did you get this year? Also, has your doctor ever told you to lose weight? Do you cover the display on cardio machines?

Try this yoga Bow pose to increase flexibility in your spine.

Do something nice and burn calories - shovel your neighbors snow.

When should you do crunches in your workout?

It only takes five minutes to be on your way to a healthier you.

Don't get the blues - tips for avoiding the post holiday let down.

Take a look at the nutritional breakdown of popular New Year's celebratory beverages.

Here's a tip: work opposing muscle groups when lifting weights.

Why we should all love indoor rock climbing.

Check out the healthiest airports for your holiday travels.

Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn't starve a fever.

The latest in to-go coffee? Meet the Skinny.

A Week in Review: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 04:00:00 -0800

In case you missed it, here is what we've been talking about.

There is still time to win a $250 gift card from REI, enter to win here.

Be sure to cast your vote for all the best things of 2007.

Also, I've got a lot of great gift ideas in my Holiday Gift Guide.

Courtney Thorne-Smith is pregnant and fit - lucky girl!

Can you guide your way through a day of eating while flying? Take the fun quiz and find out.

Here's how to do the Lifted Lotus - a great yoga pose that really works your abs.

What is the difference between a Pilates mat and a Pilates reformer class?

Green tea and broccoli are goods weapon against cancer. Meat, on the other hand, not so much.

Five ingredients to watch out for and avoid, if possible.

Did you know that snowboarding can burn up to 340 calories per hour? Here is a great chart that shows how many calories you burn per hour while doing your favorite Winter activities.

Title Nine makes a good sports bra for ladies with larger chests (tried and tested by CasaSugar).

No treadmill? Then check out this creative and less-expensive option using a door, a resistance band, and a door anchor.

A fellow user is looking for nonfood reward ideas . . . give her your advice on your own nonfood rewards.